I've come across a set of spokes for the rear wheel on a T140 that only have two sizes (parts book calls for three?). The seller claims these will work because of a change to the angle of the bend. I never heard of this and didn't see any information when I searched. Anybody know enough to confirm or refute this info? Thanks!

On your side of The Pond is a company called Buchanan; if you search the Boards, you'll find innumerable recommendations for them. Are the spokes you've come across much cheaper and/or better quality; if not, are they worth worrying about?

Johnnie, unless I'm guessing wrong, I think we're talking about two different models of the T-140. The 1973 will have three different sizes due to the rear drum brake hub having a "tall" side and a "short" side.

However, on the rear disc models, such as my 1977, there will be only two different lengths/angles of spokes. These are simply "inside" and "outside" spokes.

And as Stuart mentions, Buchanan has stainless that are far superior to stock spokes.

However, I would mention that we had a lengthy exchange with them 10 years ago when they shipped the wrong spokes for the 73's rear. In spite of delivery confirmation records that indicated the spokes were sent back and signed for, the company attempted to claim they had not received them.

My view: their spokes are outstanding. I'm still leary of their service at this late date. It was the attitude that their company is never wrong.

But all of that is a sidenote to your original question. You're probably looking at two different rear wheels. What year is yours?

Thank you gentlemen! I should have been more specific in my query but you both managed to come through with some good info.

Stuart - you are correct. Buchanan’s is certainly the bee's knees in wheels and spokes. But the set in question is used and therefore 1/3 the cost of new. I’m in need of an economical solution for now. I have a broken spoke and the rest are quite mangy as well. The U.S. equivalent of an MOT inspection is imminent. The bike only needs to sneak past an inspector without bruising my wallet!

Richard – I have a ’79 T140 (should have said so in my original post). What you mention makes perfect sense, especially after looking at my older rear drum bike and comparing it to the newer disk brake hub. The seller of these spokes claims:

“These are aftermarket replacements and only 2 types of spokes are included (as opposed to the 3 different spokes specified in the Triumph parts book for this wheel). As I understand it, the angle of these spokes is different from the OEM spokes, which allows you to get away with using only 2 different spokes instead of 3.”

I think the seller had the same problem I did – a parts book for the earlier drum brake model which led him (and me) to believe the bike wheel requires three sized spokes.

British Only sells a kit (their part number 01-37-7031/2/3/4) with all 40 correct spokes and nipples for $37.97 if you buy it online.

I bought spokes from Buchanan's for my 79 about 12 years ago and they sent me the wrong rear spokes as well. A local shop ordered them for me so I don't know how hard they were to send back but I got a replacement about a week later. The spokes still look like new.Scott

That sounds right Steve. It's been a while since I laced my back wheel. Inner and outer spokes, this size here, that one...no there... Brings back lots of anxiety.

Johnnie, I'm hesitant to offer an opinion on the spokes. However, out of concern for your safety a number of factors are involved: are they the spokes you need? If you're replacing a few, that would be the time to replace all since you've got it down to that point. If a few are replaced, will they be safe? Are the others deteriorating as well?

But I understand a budget too! Heck, I rode for a while on original Dunlop K-70s with dry rot from "you-know-where." So I'm a fine one to talk.

Just think about those things and good riding!

Richard

p.s. Just in case you re-lace the entire wheel at some point -- take many pictures before unlacing. I have an extra T140 wheel I bought just to have the spoke pattern to guide me. Lesson learned.

Johnnie, My best advice to you is spend the extra $ order a new set from Buchannans, you'll get it done right the first time. I've tried to cheap out too many times, and finally figured out that doing it right is well worth it. With the new set you'll get everything you need, new nipples, & the right lube. When I re-laced the rear wheel of my '76 T140, I supported the wheel and hub with a cardboard box within a box, loosened spokes a little at a time, and started replacing one spoke at a time. carefully making sure what was taken out, was exactly the same as what was going in. When all were installed, tightened a little at a time going round & round. A word of caution follows next...It was only after I was done & started re-installing on the bike I came to realize that a previous owner (assuming) had relaced it wrong in the first place! (the rear wheel was offset too much, requireing the rear caliper to need shimming. it also just didn't look right, and the chain was too close to the tire) So, after the practice session, it got done right, no shims on the caliper now, better clearence from chain, and looks a bit better from the rear. Moral of the story...you don't want to have to do this more than once! Go for new, you'll be happier in the long run. That's all I got to say 'bout that. Cheers! J Kev

BTW a wheel balancing stand from Harbor Freight makes a good lacing stand. I screwed mine to a piece of 4" X 4" wood and mounted it in the vice . The vice then provided the base for magnetic stands to hold dial indicators to measure run out and concentricity.Worked well on my 1974 T120RV wheels.HTH

I'd save up the money and get the correct spokes from Buchannans. Lacing the wheel is the easy part. Just wait until you true it. If you can't true it yourself, it's gonna cost you a couple hundred to get it done. Takes a lot of time and good temperment.

Well, I sucked it up and ordered a set from Buchanans. I'll be eating bologna and hot dogs instead of steak for a month, but now when I ride to a local bike night I can say with a certain swager: "those are Stainless spokes from Buchanans" Thanks again for the replies fellas!